It’s shaping up to be a busy summer for the Point Reyes National Seashore (Seashore) public planning processes and updates. You can count on EAC to keep watch and participate in what’s coming up with our eyes on protecting coastal resources.
Tule Elk
On June 9th, the Seashore announced their proposed action for the Tomales Point Area Plan that cites their preference to remove the tule elk fence and enhance opportunities to improve recreational and visitor experiences at the historic Pierce Point Ranch. This announcement is excellent news for the tule elk population that has been behind the elk fence for decades. We anticipate the Seashore to release a newsletter and environmental assessment (EA) for public review and comment later this summer to kick off a public process that will extend through next year.
Water Quality
The Seashore is also preparing its annual Water Quality Report to provide to the Coastal Commission later this summer. The annual report will be provided to the Commission staff, partner agencies, and the public for review and comment before making its way to the Coastal Commission. The annual report includes the comprehensive water quality sampling results, updates on violations and issues from last year, implementing best management practices, and more. The date of the summer Commission meeting has yet to be determined. Over the last couple of weeks, we have been in conversations with the Seashore, Coastal Commission staff, and Regional Water Quality Control Board staff following up on deliverables from last September’s Coastal Commission meetings.
Our team continues to collect weekly water quality samples in partnership with the Seashore and County of Marin Environmental Health Services. Our new team of summer interns will be helping in June and July to collect samples at our two sites following training by our staff. This week, the Annual Beach Report Card for 2021-2022 was released; this report gave the County of Marin top marks. The annual report includes data from April 1, 2021-March 31, 2022. The beach report card samples e-coli and enterococci as indicators of water quality, and if the bacteria exceeds levels safe for public consumption, a beach advisory is placed at the access point for the public. Stay up to date on weekly West Marin beach water quality results by following our social media (Facebook or Instagram).
Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks; it’s going to be a busy summer!
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